Nazarbayev Visit to Washington: Looking for Recognition as Regional Leader

Kazakhstani President Nazarbayev is keen to secure global recognition of the Central Asian nation's achievements  its booming economy, its market reforms and  more controversially  its political reform program. During his four-day visit to the United States, beginning September 26, Nazarbayev will be looking to cement Kazakhstan's image as a regional leader with a role to play on the international stage.

Over the last 18 months, the United States has experienced a series of geopolitical setbacks in Central Asia. The most severe blow to American interests was the rupture of US-Uzbek ties over the Andijan events of May 2005. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. More recently, US-Kyrgyz relations have been strained by difficult negotiations on a lease extension for the American air base outside of Bishkek, as well as by a spy scandal that caused a diplomatic spat. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. In Washington, Nazarbayev reportedly will stress Kazakhstan's dependability as a friend of the United States.

"This is a very interesting and important visit," Sanat Kushkumbayev, deputy director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, told EurasiaNet. "Astana is attaching great significance to this visit

Editor's note:

Joanna Lillis is a freelance writer who specializes in Central Asian affairs.